during the Baroque, the wind band increased its visibility in a variety of venues--from municipal bands
in Central Europe to the court of Louis the XIV of France. The oboe was held in high esteem and the
trumpet reached a level of virtuosity not previously heard. Military music became increasingly
important as rulers from England to the Ottoman Empire maintained standing armies. And at the twilight of the
age the greatest wind band piece to date caused quite a stir in London.